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All-Star Game
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Glen Rice knows the key to his game is versatility.
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Rice has learned how to take advantage of every situation on the court.
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ESPNET SportsZone
CLEVELAND -- Two years ago, Glen Rice made his first All-Star Weekend appearance, winning the 3-point contest. Last year, he returned for the long-range shooting contest and the 6-foot-8 swingman also made his first All-Star Game appearance.
This year, as the league's sixth-leading scorer (25.0 ppg), Rice returned for his second straight All-Star Game. While in Cleveland, the Hornets' star took some time out to answer questions from The Zone's users.
Israel Gutierrez, Gainesville, Fla.: Compare your time in Miami with your time in Charlotte.
Rice: I think my years in Miami, to compare them to the years that I've been in Charlotte -- it's been different. The teams are different; there are two different styles of coaching. I had a great time in Miami and I'm also having a great time in Charlotte. As far as playing basketball, I'm probably playing my best basketball now in Charlotte. I think right now is just perfect timing for me in Charlotte.
I think in Charlotte, at this particular time, we run the ball but we don't run it as much. In Miami, we were much more of an up-tempo basketball team. And we're a much better defensive team here in Charlotte than we were in Miami.
Edgar Salmingo, Harbor City, Calif.: What are your thoughts on Anthony Mason's absence from the All-Star Game?
Rice: He definitely got snubbed. He definitely deserved to be here. He's been doing everything as far as individual stats to prove that he should be here. He just deserves the honor to be here.
Matt Notary, Princeton, N.J.: What about your recent scoring spree? You've been one of the league's hottest scorer's over the past month. What has the difference been?
Rice: I think one of the things I've really done is try to go out and play much more explosive -- be more aggressive on both ends of the floor. And by doing so, it's really kept me involved in the game. I've been shooting the ball very well. The confidence level is at a great high right now, so I just want to keep going out and playing that way.
Matt Notary, Princeton, N.J.: What about Vlade Divac's and Mason's presence inside? How much have they helped you offensively?
Rice: That's helped a great deal. When you have two guys who have the passing capabilities of Anthony Mason and Vlade Divac, it's much easier to be involved in the offense.
Freddy Macias, Union City, N.J.: Compare the difference between heading into your second All-Star Game as opposed to your first.
Rice: It's different for the simple fact that this year I'm not nervous. Last year, I was very nervous about being at the All-Star Game. This year, I'm able to be more relaxed and can concentrate on going out and doing the things I'm capable of doing.
Joe Muzingo, Charleston, S.C.: Do you consider your time at Michigan as a great one in your basketball career? Was it a good foundation for your NBA career?
Rice: I rate that up at the top, as far as my career. It was a chance to be considered a champion. At that particular time (his senior season), I was having a great year in my career.
And it was very important. At Michigan, I was able to learn a great deal of skills and the preparation for the NBA was excellent. When I was there, we had guys there who are now in the NBA. So, we sort of had our own NBA team while we were in college.
